Succoth-Benoth
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Succoth-Benoth in the Bible?
Succoth-benoth denotes an idol or deity venerated by Babylonian settlers in Samaria, potentially corresponding to the Mesopotamian goddess Zer-panitum, consort of Marduk, and associated with concepts of seed or land creation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Succoth-benoth clarifies the syncretic religious environment of post-exilic Samaria, illustrating how foreign populations integrated their native pantheons into the local landscape, which explains the specific accusations of idolatry recorded in 2 Kings 17:30.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Succoth-Benoth. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Succoth-Benoth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Succoth-Benoth clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Kings 17:30
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Succoth-Benoth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/succothbenoth/